Aug. 2, 1942 — Nov. 15, 2021
Franz-Josef Hamacher, beloved husband to Mrs. Heather Hamacher of Fort Macleod, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, at the age of 79 years. He was the dear father to Ieescha and Christopher. He is also survived by his sister Gertrud and partner Wolfgang, his nephew Christian and niece Petra, his sister Marita and her husband Hartmut, all of Germany. As well, he is survived by his cousins Hans and Anthea, and their children and families, Niels, Jennifer, Jackson, Hayden and Mike, Inga, Sophia, Isabella.
Franz-Josef was born Aug. 2, 1942 in Frechen-Konigsdorf, Germany. In Germany, he studied to be an electrician. In the early 1960s, he became a sailor with the German Navy. While in the navy, he travelled to many countries, which included visiting nearly every continent in the world. He immigrated to Canada in 1967. Then, he returned to Germany in 1970 to study guitar at the Cologne Conservatory of Music. He worked in the electrical field both in Germany and Canada for many years, and afterwards became a trucker in the early 1990s. When the opportunity presented itself, he received an architectural drafting certificate in the late 1990s. He worked briefly in the field of architectural drafting, but more so as a long-haul trucker, and retired from trucking in 2008.
Franz-Josef enjoyed trains and model railroading all his life — he belonged to various model railroading clubs. He enjoyed learning about different cultures and languages; experiences of which he spoke from his travels in the navy and beyond. He also enjoyed music, playing many instruments, especially Spanish music on the guitar.
Josef was kind, loving, devoted, and dedicated to his Faith, Family and Friends. His gregarious personality and passion for telling stories will be sadly missed.
A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m., on Friday Dec. 10, 2021, at Holy Cross Parish, 2604 Third Ave., Fort Macleod with Father Benedicto officiating.
As well, a funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday Dec. 11, 2021, at Holy Cross Parish with Father Benedicto officiating. Inurnment will follow at Union Cemetery.
Please be advised that COVID-19 restrictions controlling numbers in attendance will be in place at both services. Thank you.
In lieu of sending flowers to the family, please donate instead to a favourite charity on Franz-Josef’s behalf. Thank you.
Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com.